· By Granny's World UG
How long does cannabis last? Tips on the shelf life of weed and hash
Cannabis is a natural product—and yes, even weed can go bad at some point. But don't worry: If you follow a few simple rules, your weed will stay in top quality for months .
In this guide we clarify:
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How long can cannabis and hash be stored?
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How to recognize bad grass
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How to extend the shelf life of weed
Let's go!
How long does cannabis last?
Freshly harvested and well-dried cannabis will typically stay in good condition for 6 to 12 months – if stored properly.
After that, the THC content slowly decreases, the aroma (terpenes) disappears, and the effect may become weaker.
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After 6 months: slight loss of smell and taste
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After 12 months: noticeable loss of potency (approx. 16–20% less THC)
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After 2 years: significantly weaker, terpenes largely evaporated
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After 3+ years: often only CBD-dominant effect (THC broken down to CBN)
💡 Remember: Old grass won't make you sick - but it's often less potent and tastes stale or musty.
How long does hash last?
Hashish is somewhat more robust than flowers.
Well-pressed hash can last for 2 to 5 years , depending on storage.
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Fresh: intensely aromatic, soft to slightly crumbly
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After 2 years: slight loss of aroma and potency
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After 5 years: often dry and crumbly, effect weaker, but mostly still consumable
Tip: It's better not to let the hash dry out completely – otherwise it will become crumbly and difficult to process.
How do you recognize bad weed?
Attention, here you should pay attention – these are warning signs that you should take seriously:
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Musty, moldy smell
→ Warning about mold – no smoking! -
Discoloration (white, gray, black)
→ Could be mold or decay – keep your hands off! -
Extremely dry & crumbly
→ Signs of old storage – possibly still smokable, but poor quality -
Very faint smell, no aroma anymore
→ The terpenes have evaporated – less taste, reduced effect
❗ Mold = No-Go:
Mold spores can be harmful when smoked or vaped – so it’s better to dispose of them than to risk them.
How can you extend the shelf life of cannabis?
Here are the most important tips:
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Use airtight containers:
Optimal: dark glass (e.g. Stash Jars from Grannysweed ) or special weed containers. -
Store in a cool, but not too cold place:
15–20 °C is ideal.
Do not freeze! (Risk of ice crystals and cell destruction) -
Store in a dark place:
UV radiation breaks down THC faster. Store your weed in an opaque container or in a drawer. -
Control humidity:
The optimum humidity is 55–62% .
Tip: Use small humidity controllers 58% or humidity controllers 62% -
Do not open constantly:
Every air exchange brings in oxygen and germs. It's better to store small quantities separately.
Is the refrigerator suitable for storage?
Only to a limited extent. While it's cool and dark in the refrigerator,
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Strong fluctuations in humidity can encourage mold growth.
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When you open the refrigerator door, warm air gets to your weed → condensation forms.
Better: Use a cool, dark cupboard or a special curing container.
Conclusion: Good storage = longer shelf life!
Your grass can easily stay fresh for a year or more – if you store it properly.
Airtight, dark, cool and constant are the magic words.
And hey: If you already have good flowers, give them a good spot! 🌱
👉 Check out our cannabis storage solutions – for fresh weed down to the last crumb!
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the shelf life of grass & hash
How long does cannabis last with optimal storage?
Top quality for up to 12 months. After that, aroma and potency diminish.
Can grass expire or go bad?
Yes. Mold or excessive drying out, in particular, make grass inedible. Musty smell = throw it away!
How long does hash last?
Well-stored hash will remain edible for 2–5 years. It usually becomes drier but loses potency only slowly.
What is the best way to store cannabis?
In airtight glass containers, cool (15–20 °C) and dark, with humidity controls if necessary.